Delta State University

BIRMINGHAM , ALA. – Coach Asa Atkinson’s Statesmen and Lady Statesmen tennis teams racked up the awards as the All-Gulf South Conference Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams were announced on April 18. 

For only the second time in history a member of the Lady Statesmen took home the GSC West Division Player of the Year award. Sophomore Cecile Benzaki, pictured above, is the first member of the squad to claim the award since Adri Van Der Wath took home the award in 1998. 

The Paris, France native compiled a 13-1 record in singles play and a 10-3 record in doubles play to help guide the Lady Statesmen to the GSC West division crown with a 12-2 (7-1) record. 

Not to be outdone, Katharina Nett and Milena Araujo were also on the All-GSC First Team. Araujo also claimed First Team honors in the 2007 season. 

Junior Krystle Ozols was named to the Second Team. Nett finishes the regular season with a 10-3 mark, while Araujo finished with a 10-3 record as well. Ozols finishes with a 7-3 mark heading into the GSC Tournament. 

The Statesmen placed two members on the All-GSC West Division First Team. Senior Rafael Weigard was named to the First Team. It marks the third time The Florianopolis, Brazil native claimed First Team honors. 

Weigard has had an impressive record so far this season, going 8-2 in singles play and 8-4 in doubles play to help guide DSU to a 10-4 (3-3) record this season. 

Marne , France native Pascal LaPlace was also named to the All-GSC First Team for the first time in his career. The sophomore has compiled an impressive 10-4 record in singles play and a 9-4 mark in doubles play, while competing from the first position most of the season. 

Ondrej Vana of Ouachita Baptist became the first player ever to claim back to back GSC West Player of the Year honors. 

Delta State and West Florida tied for the most spots on the first team with three apiece.